Donkeys slaughtered and sold for meat in their old age often produce meat that is difficult to break down and digest. Despite this, due to its perceived health benefits, donkey meat has garnered global popularity, most notably in northern China.
The donkey burger (Chinese: 驴肉火烧; pinyin: lǘròu huǒshāo) is a kind of sandwich commonly eaten in Baoding and Hejian, Hebei Province, China, where it is considered a local specialty, though it may also be found in other parts of China, particularly in northeastern China.
In some cultures, it is considered a taboo to eat donkey meat, which could be attributed to the fact that donkeys are always around humans. In some European countries such as Italy, France, and Belgium, donkey meat is consumed as part of the traditional diet [51].
The highest number of donkeys can be found in Ethiopia, followed by China and Pakistan. Outside of Africa, Mexico, Iran and Afghanistan make it into the Top 5.
Africa is home to the highest number of donkeys in the world: about two-thirds of the estimated global population of 53 million donkeys in 2020. Exact figures on how many hides are exported to China aren't available due to a growing illicit trade, but there are indications.
Australia also has as many as five million feral donkeys in arid central Australia, the Kimberley in Western Australia and the Top End in the Northern Territory. Australia has an estimated 400 000 feral horses and millions of feral donkeys, mainly in central and northern Australia.
Donkeys were introduced to Australia from Africa in 1866 to work as pack animals. Feral donkeys are common in the Katherine region of the Northern Territory (NT). It is estimated there are tens of thousands of feral donkeys in the arid zones of Central Australia, Western Australia and the Top End.
Food sources
Donkeys are herbivores, and only eat vegetation. All year round, the donkeys graze for grass, shrubs, and tree bark. Donkeys usually graze for 6 to 7 hours a day and can go a fair distance from water sources.
The feral donkey is well-adapted to arid regions and is most abundant in the Kimberley pastoral district of Western Australia and the Victoria River area of the Northern Territory. Lower densities are found in the semi-arid regions and deserts of central and western Australia.
Donkey meat and milk has been consumed over the years by some communities in Kenya, with the donkey primarily slaughtered in the bush.
Horses, mules and donkeys
According to Shia hadith, the use of horses for food is prohibited. Donkey meat is prohibited according to one hadith.
The donkey hides are used to make gelatine, a key ingredient of ejiao, which has been used in traditional Chinese medicine for thousands of years and is believed to improve blood circulation and treat conditions like anaemia.
More commonly called “ejiao” or “donkey-hide gelatin,” the animal product is made from donkey skin.
On Earth, there is donkey meat.” The meat tastes gamey and full of flavor, more like beef than chicken or pork. Originally a northern Chinese delicacy from Hebei province, the donkey-based snack has spread to major cities across the country. There are more than 20 Fat Wang's branches in Beijing alone.
That said, Italy still has the highest consumption of equine meat in all of Europe and there are still plenty of delicious dishes to be found throughout Italy. Try the donkey ragù in Verona or the stracotto d'asino, a dish made with donkey meat slow cooked for hours and hours.
noun The term "donkey" is used around Lithgow in NSW to describe a structure standing some distance from the house in the back yard, which houses a coal-burning furnace. It is usually connected to the house by a largish pipe above head level.
Horses (Equus caballus) were introduced with European settlement both in Australia and New Zealand. Over time, animals escaped and were released and were first recognised as pests in Australia in the 1860's.
A brumby is a free-roaming feral horse in Australia. Although found in many areas around the country, the best-known brumbies are found in the Australian Alps region.
Donkey meat has proven leaner and more tender than other conventional meat products. It also has a lower saturated fatty acid composition and higher polyunsaturated fatty acid content. The nutritional characteristics of donkey meat make it a great option for health-conscious meat-lovers.
There are around 400,000 of these wild horses in Australia. They exist in every state except Tasmania. The population is thought to increase by about 20% every year. This growth in numbers presents a significant threat to the environment.
Carrots, apples, bananas, pears, turnips and swedes are all safe and usually very popular with donkeys. Ensure that chopped fruit and vegetables are cut in a way that minimises the risk of choking, such as in sticks.
Breeding: A donkey bred to a donkey produces a donkey. Donkey jacks are crossed on horse mares to produce mules, while the opposite cross (stallion x donkey jennet) gives a hinny. There are few pure breeds of donkey in the United States, where they are known by their sizes and types.
Camels were first introduced into Australia from the Canary Islands in 1840. There are now over one million feral camels in Australia and that population may double in size every nine years. Feral camels are found across Central Australia and in the Victoria River District regions.
The first camel was imported into Australia was purchased by the explorer J.A. Horrocks who unfortunately died after being kicked. The second lot were imported by the Victorian Government for the tragic Burke and Wills expedition.